PTECH prelims

input

this is the information the computer receives

mouse

an input device thats a primary way to input data. clicking n dragging items onto the screen was much easier for people to understand and perform

microphones

an input device that ppl started using this to write things using talk-to-text

touchpads/trackballs

an input device thats a precise alternative to early mouse devices

stylus

an input device thats a special pen that allows people to write on certain device screens

touchscreens

an input device, these screens made it possible for us to interact with this tech with just fingers

garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)

as early as 1957, the programming community was using this phrase. this means that a computer can only work with what humans give it. if u input correct info then the program will give correct results, vise versa

output

this is the info the computer returns to the user

monitors/screens

an output device thats a very common way for computers to show us information.

GPS devices

takes information and gives directions

printers

this is an output device that puts words or pictures on paper using ink or toner

3d printers

this is an output device that can make models out of plastic, resin or other materials

peripherals / peripheral devices

devices such as printers, screens, and speakers. this is something outside the main computer that can be connected with a cable or wirelessly

processing

this occurs when a computer’s CPU determines what to d with the input.

storage

its like a big box where all the computer programs and information are kept.

software

these are the programs and systems that run the computer.

hard drive

this is a special part of the computer where stuff gets saved into

persistent / mass storage

this part keeps everything safe even when the computer is turned off

hard disk drives (HDDs)

this storage device stores data on special magnetic disks inside a protective housing, this is usually installed inside a computer

solid-state drive (SSDs)

this storage device stores information using flash memory which ets it work much faster than HDD

flash memory

this storage device holds onto info even when theres no power, but it can be reprogrammed with new data very quickly.

flash drive / external hard disk

this storage device plugs into the computer with a USB cable. can be used if files need to be carried around.

optical drives

this storage device can store things on devices by plugging them into the computer. these are good for keeping things like videos, pics, papers or company financial details but usually not for programs or apps.

ex: CD-ROMs, DVDs & blu-ray discs

Read-Only Memory

ROM

Random Access Memory (RAM) / system memory

this is like a temporary shelf where programs, data, and the operating system currently in use are kept.

web browsing apps

ex: microsoft edge, chrome, safari, firefox

smartphone browsers

phones come with pre-installed browsers too, but people dont use them as much as they do on computer

email apps

ex: microsoft outlook, gmail

SaaS

Software as a service

messaging apps

these softwares like instant messaging (IM) apps lets people talk to each other in real time

ex: whatsapp

software

this is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.

productivity software

applications that enhance productivity both personally and professionally

commercial software

a good example for this type of productivity software is microsoft office suite

free software

free versions of word processing and spreadsheet tools

ex: google, openoffice, libreoffice

collaborative software

this is a type of productivity software that lets you work together with other people in real time

communication apps

type of productivity app that lets you message and video conference

file sharing

a productivity app where files can be uploaded to a cloud and then emailed to someone so they can access it

work management software

some software types fall into more than 1 category and this is an example of that/ it allows people to collaborate by working together on diff parts of the project but it differs from collab apps by allowing users to coordinate their work to meet a specific goal on a deadline

remote assistance software

this is a powerful software bcs it allows u to see and control another computer as if it were sitting right infront of you

word processing software

this is the productivity tool for creating digital documents. a word processor is a common computer program that helps type and format reports, letters, essays & more

spreadsheet software

this is a productivity tool with rows and columns that stores data and calculates it.

presentation software

this is a productivity tool that helps demonstrate ideas. these tools allow you to add visuals to presentations using slides.

diagramming and graphics software

this is a productivity tool that allows u to ake visuals of projects, esp diagrams.

digital whiteboards

this is a productivity tool that allows teams to brainstorm easily on online whiteboards.

ex: miro

digital imaging software

a productivity tool that helps take, edit and process digital pics. cropping, resizing, rotating, etc

video software

this is a productivity tool that allows users to create videos.